Young football prospects are maturing at a faster rate than we have witnessed in the past. As kids turn to trainers at earlier ages, focus on the long-term picture in terms of what football could mean for their future, and put in the work needed to develop, this trend won't be stopping anytime soon.

The class of 2014 in Louisiana was much heralded with names like Leonard Fournette and Malachi Dupre sweeping the headlines, but could 2016 be even better?

In short: Yes, it could.

While 2014 was stellar at the skill positions, there weren't many top-level big bodies in the trenches. While Parkway quarterback Brandon Harris was a national recruit, there weren't any other quarterbacks drawing national attention. The 2016 class couldn't be any more different as the depth on the defensive line is rare and there are a plethora of quarterbacks who could play big-time football.

The list will change as more prospects emerge over time, but here is the first edition of the Fantastic 40 for 2016 (30-21). In what could be a banner year, there are plenty of prospects who could reach national-recruit status.

30. Kevin Moore, LB, 6-1, 205, Acadiana

Acadiana has a history of producing good, hard-nosed football players and Moore certainly has those traits. He has really good strength, shows discipline for a young linebacker and makes quick reads. He plays inside for Acadiana, but would have to grow substantially if he is going to do so at the next level. He is a good tackler who moves well, plays with passion, and shows a good feel for the position.

A deceptive athlete who isn't afraid to stand in the pocket with pressure in his face. Stands tall in the pocket, goes through his progressions and does a fairly good job of resetting his feet to deliver a strike. Doesn't have a cannon for an arm, but he does have adequate arm strength and knows when to take something off his throws. Beck is one of the premier passers in the state.

This long-time Florida commitment continues to show the playmaking ability that earned him all of his early offers. He isn't the biggest guy, but he is a technician who has tremendous ball-skills. He may be relegated to playing the nickel at the next level, which hurts his value some, but there is no denying his talents. He plays cornerback, receiver and safety for University, showing a high football IQ.

27. Tyrice Neal, DB, 6-0, 175, Airline

A little-known secret in north Louisiana; Neal can really play some football. He has good size for a young defensive back prospect and should fill out nicely over time. He is fluid enough to play cornerback, but may lack the make-up speed coaches seek at the position. He could thrive as a safety using his knack for finding the ball and toughness to make plays in coverage and around the line of scrimmage. A phase of his game that will need to improve is playing lower because he is often upright when dropping in coverage. He is a bit raw, but the talent is there.

Fondal is shaping up to be one of the state's best linemen. Coaches demand that their guys mix it up in the trenches and play with the level of toughness to win battles through the fourth quarter and he does just that. He is heavy-handed, comes off the ball really well, and shows some good, natural flexibility. He moves very well, which allows him to be very effective when pulling, getting to the second level and adjusting when picking up blitzing linebackers or adjusting to stunts and twist along the defensive front.

Any time you project high school kids this early, there will have to be some guys high on the list due largely to their upside and Linzer has a ton of it. He plays both running back and linebacker for now, but will most likely be a linebacker at the next level unless he sprouts a little more. He is strong, plays with toughness and could develop into a big prospect, but he is a bit raw right now.

24. Malik Antoine, CB, 5-11, 175, University

This crafty, confident cornerback has been playing at a high level for University ever since he stepped on campus. He continues to grow, which only adds to his value and now schools are starting to reach out with scholarship offers as a result. His footwork is good, and he has the ability to play press coverage and off man at a high level. In run support, Antoine is willing to mix it up, but tends to cut-tackle at times when it isn't necessary, which is a bad habit that a lot of younger corners in today's game have picked up.

Durr is an absolute bulldog who plays bigger than his size. He has great speed, lateral quickness and tremendous upper body strength for a young cornerback. He has shown the ability to play inside in the nickel, showing quick feet, solid technique, and the toughness to be effective in run support. There is a chance he doesn't end up with a huge offer list, but he will have some solid opportunities and likely exceed expectations when all is said and done. Some kids just have it and Durr is one of those guys.

Louisiana's history of producing big bodies in the trenches who thrive in the running game is well known, and Fountain is just doing his part to keep the tradition going. It will be important for him to monitor his weight and work on his body, but he is well over 300 pounds and uses his size to handle defenders with ease. If he wants to achieve the lofty goals that were set for him early on, he will need to work diligently during the off-season.

There isn't anything flashy with Slaughter's game, but he is highly productive, solid in all phases of the game, and is a grinder. He doesn't possess home-run speed, nor is he the biggest, but he has good feet, a solid burst, and runs hard as a back with a solid 200 pounds on his frame. Some schools will flirt with the idea of converting him to linebacker, while some may even thing fullback, but nobody will question that he is a solid, productive football player who is worthy of a very hard look.

James Smith previously worked as a talent evaluator for Elite Scouting and Max Emfinger and has served on the selection committees of various high school All-American games. He can be reached at jsmith2@nola.com or 504.826.3405.